The agreement
was signed a year ago in the Basilica of Mongomo and enters into force with the
exchange of instruments between the two parties.

According to Vatican Radio, the agreement confirms the good
bilateral relations between the two states, recognizes the legal personality of
the church and its institutions, and covers canonical marriage, places of
worship, educational institutions, and spiritual assistance to the Catholic
faithful in hospitals and prisons.

The Vatican
described the meeting between President Obiang and the Pontiff as “cordial,” and
said that Pope Francis had highlighted “the positive contribution of the
Catholic Church in favour of the human, social, and cultural development of the
country…, particularly in the fields of education and welfare, as was the
collaboration with the State to improve the standard of living of the
population.”

The United Nations estimates that Equatorial Guinea is 93% Christian and 87%
Roman Catholic.

The U.S.
Department of State reported in 2013, “The constitution and other
laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the government
generally respected religious freedom…. There were no reports of societal
abuses or discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.”

“We were well
received by the Holy Father, who is very interested in our country and has sent
greetings and blessings to the people of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea,” said President Obiang at a press
conference held after his return from Rome.

After their
meeting, President Obiang attended a mass at the tomb St. Peter. He returned to
Equatorial Guinea shortly afterward on Sunday, October 27, and held a press
conference to discuss the significance and success of the historic meeting.